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U 47M Documentation

Telefunken Elektroakustik U 47M

Multi-Pattern Tube Condenser Microphone

The U-47M is a recreation of Neumann’s U-47, substituting some modern parts where vintage components are not available. The mic is a multipattern (cardioid/omni), large-diaphragm tube condenser.

The original U-47 used a VF-14 vacuum tube that, although imitated, has never been reproduced. This microphone substitutes a NOS EF-14 tube, which runs at a lower voltage than the VF-14 and therefore requires circuitry changes.

Substituting an EF-14 for a VF-14 is common, due to the scarcity of microphone-quality VF14s; see Oliver Archut’s comments in the PSW forum (link in sidebar) for more.

The original U 47 used a PVC-diaphragm M7 capsule, later replaced by Neumann’s K—47. Telefunken USA’s U-47M uses an M7 capsule built by Sigfried Thiersch. Both PVC- and Mylar-diaphragm versions are available by request.

Early review models of the mic, such as described by JJ Blair in the EQ Magazine shootout (see sidebar link), were shipped with original Neumann/Gefell M7 backplates, reskinned with Mylar diaphragms.

The U-47M ships with a padded wooden storage box, an elastic shockmount, a power cable, and a modern power supply, all packed into a locking suitcase.